Spring Clean

When we moved to this house last year, one of the things I was most looking forward to was finally having enough storage space to not have to have 50% of my clothes in storage at any given time. Because yes, I really did buy a house just for my clothes.Yes I did.

At around about this time of year, you see, I’d normally be embarking on the Great Closet Switch-Over, in which the spring clothes came down from the attic, and the winter ones took their place. This would then be repeated in reverse in autumn, and it was a process I quickly came to loathe, because as fun as it was to be re-united with clothes I hadn’t seen for six months, the challenge of cramming them all into one tiny closet (OK, one tiny closet and also half of Terry’s tiny closet…) was the absolute opposite of “fun”. It was also the very definition of “First World Problems”, of course, so please don’t think I was crying into my polka dot dresses while I did it or anything like that… I was just looking forward to being able to have that walk-in closet I’d always wanted, so I could fully indulge both my laziness AND my shopping habit.

What I didn’t really count on was how long it would take me to organise that closet. I mean, it’s been nine months, guys. I could’ve had a baby in that time, but given that I couldn’t even manage to organize my closet, it’s a good job I didn’t, huh? Poor thing would probably have to sleep in a shoe box or something. God knows, there’s plenty of them…

My complete failure to get things in order was a partly down to the aforementioned laziness, partly down to sheer indecisiveness about how I wanted to organize it, and partly down to the fact that I was just too cheap to buy all the clothes hangers and other stuff I needed to finish the room. Because if it’s a choice between buying clothes themselves, or things to hang them on, I know where my money’s going, you know? That’s why my bags are currently displayed on cheap plastic hangers, rather than the special bag clips I will absolutely, definitely be ordering this week. Probably.

Anyway. After an entire week of fog so thick and gloomy that I started to think I was trapped inside a horror movie, the sun finally came out on Sunday, and even although I don’t need to do a switch-over this year, it inspired me to spend a bit of time re-organising the closet a bit, putting the more wintry stuff to the back of the rails/shelves, and putting the pastels in easier reach. Turns out there were a LOT of pastels. Also a lot of stripes. But you knew that, obviously.

I’n now feeling sufficiently motivated to try and finish off the rest of the room, but until I get around to it, I had some Instagram comments last week suggesting I do a post about it, so here are some close-ups of the current state of the closet. They’re close-ups because, well, the bits you CAN’T see are kind of a mess, I have to be honest. Looks like there’s some hanger-shopping in my near future. Let’s hope there’s also some sunshine…

Seriously, don’t be – the rails I *didn’t* photograph have exactly the same kind of motely collection of hangers – I’ve been slowly stocking up on nicer ones, but I always want to spend my money on actual clothes instead!

Love this! One of my main requirements for when I finally fly the parental nest (in about 100 years when I finally finish uni…) is to get a house with a spare room for me to make my dressing room so I’ll be adding these to the pinterest board for inspiration for when that sainted day comes!

I love your closet! I try and buy a pack of nice hangers every once in awhile myself, but it is always hard choosing between hangers and clothes. You’ve motivated me to get my closet in order though; I’ve been putting it off since fall. 🙂

Amber,
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your closet! It looks exactly like a boutique. Can’t wait to see the rest. But don’t feel rushed. It took me a long time to purchase all the hangers I needed. I bought them in batches of 18 each. I got the velvet ones because they’re so skinny so I can fit more stuff in my limited space. I still have to do the switcheroo twice a year:(
But at least I don’t have to share with my husband. So I guess that’s a plus.

From what you’ve shown us, I’m in love with your walk-in closet. I’m sure that when the rest will be ready it will be one of the best walk in closet. I’m kind jealous, but in a good way, you know. Wish I had a room to turn into a closet for my shoes and clothes, because I have things in every room and closet of the house. hehe

Waaaaa!!! I need a closet like this!! Well, I shouldn’t be greedy – I bought a place with my OH 6 months ago and I have quite a large mirrored wardrobe… but it’s still not big enough (ahem). We also have a shoe room that turned out to be poorly insulated so we need to get that done before we can actually put shoes in it so they don’t go damp and mouldy!! I have been stocking up on pink hangers, which I do find pleasing. My wardrobe though is such a MESS of winter stuff all in with Spring, and about 3 things on the same hanger, with shoes shoved in the bottom in a pile, along with yoga clothes, bits of paper I found in the bottom of my handbag, pens, a tub of gold paint and other items that really shouldn’t be in there. Maybe this weekend is Wardrobe D Day!! P x

Hi Amber! I need a bit of help and you’re really the only person I know (“know” being loosely used here) that can help me. I bought the same gingham Topshop shoes (I’m really sorry, but I blame this one on you. I don’t even like pointy toes that much but these were beyond gorgeous) and they are the best fitting shoe I have in my little collection. I assume you saw the Shoeaholics sale by now and I really want to get the Bryony pumps (again pointy toes) but I remember when I was in the UK I tried on some of the brands at the Kurt Geiger store and some of them were too small in my usual (Topshop) 36/UK3. Of course, now I forgot which ones. My question is what is your Miss KG Kurt Geiger shoe size compared to your Topshop size? I hope this is not too much trouble for you. Loving your blog since before the Shoeperwoman days and I hope you’ll never stop writing. Thank you!

Hi Cristina! It’s been a long time since I bought anything from Miss KG, but I *think* I just got my usual size… If it’s any help, though (probably not!), I find the Topshop gingham pumps run a little large, but that might just be me! I always worry a bit about giving sizing advice because everyone’s feet are different, and shoes can run big or small even within the same brand – I’d hate for you to buy something that didn’t work out for you just because it worked for me!

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